Following political activity by both men, a public institution was established on January 24, 1855, with the passage of Senate File No.

Council Bluffs was chosen because a large tract of land was obtained at a discounted price.

The school year begins in August, ends in May, and has extended winter and spring breaks.

Boarding programs provide language immersion opportunities for students, many of whom are behind their hearing peers in vocabulary.

Eighty percent of deaf or hard-of-hearing students are born to hearing families who aren't users of American Sign Language.

[6] Therefore, language-rich environments found in dormitories help offset gaps in students' language acquisition.

Students living close by may return home every day after school or choose to stay in the dorms.

After graduation, most students pursue competitive work or post-secondary education at local, state, and national colleges and universities.

Field trips to United States Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama[7] and participation in Close Up in Washington, D.C.,[8] enhance the learning experiences.

Leadership camps, dances, guest lecturers, bell choir, boys' and girls' clubs are others.

The Iowa School for the Deaf Bobcats participate in several sports, such as football, cheerleading, volleyball, basketball, track and Special Olympics.